Straightedge



April 8, 1930. 'J. w. HELTZEL v Q 1,753,414 STRAIGHTEDGE Filed. Aug. 15, 1925 I Patented Apr. 8, 1930 I UNITED STATES ArENTf-oFFicE j JOSEPH WILLIAM nnmznn, or; WARREN, OHIO I STRAIGHTEDGE Application, filed August 13, 1925. Serial No. 49,998-,

The present invention relates to straightedge's, and aims to provide a novel and im-. proved device of that kind intended especially for use in connection with the building of 5 concrete roads, sidewalks, and the like.

Heretofore, it has been the practice to use straight-edges made of wood. Such straight-edges have not only been cumbersome to handle, but, furthermore, the wood would warp thus rendering the straigh edges untrue. The bottom surfaces or lower edges of wooden'straight .edges becoming wet by contact with damp concrete, while the top surfaces of the straight edges are exposed to the sun, results in the wood drying out at the top, while remaining moist at the bottom. This results in the wood 'warp-.

ing and getting out of shape so that the straight-edge is no longer accurate. ,Difficulty has also been experienced owing to the breakage of the straight-edges and the handles therefor, such handles being long and also composed of wood.

It is an object of he invention to provide a straight-edge for use in concrete and similar work which is composed of metal, so as to be durable and non-warping, and'the construction being such that the device is not only practical and eiiicient in use, but is also .30 light in weight, and capable of being conveniently disassembled for purpose of compact storage or shipment.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will be apparent as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the. construction and arrangement of parts, as

hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes can be made within the scope of what is claimed, without depart- 40 ing from the spirit of the invention.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is arperspective view of the improved straight-edge as in use.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged end View of the straight edge, portion of the handle being broken away.

The straight-edge proper, indicated at 7,'

is composed of metal and is hollow, the same being a metal tube of rectangular cross-secgage metal.

tion with its narrower sides at the top'and bottom. A metal handle 8 is provided, which is also hollow, the same beinga'metal tube of circular cross-section, andthe lower end of the handle is connected to the intermediate portionof the straight edge? at one of the broader sides of said straight edge. It is l preferable that the straight edge 7 be ten feet in length, while the handle 8 is twelve feet in length, and they. are both of twenty-two Thestraight edge 7 is one-half inch in width and is one and one-half inches deep, while the handle has'an external diameterof one and one-quarter inches. However,the dimensions may vary. A device of the dimensionsindicated weighs eight and one-half pounds, so that it can be readily manipulated, being comparatively light in weight. Furthermore, with ordinary usage the straight edge. and handle are not apt to break, it being apparent that there is considerable leverage on the handle 8 when lifting the straight edge by theupper terminal portion ofthe handle as. shown in Fig. 1. The

handle and straight edge are detachably connected. Thus, the lower terminal of the handle 8'iswelded, brazed or otherwise'secured to a plate 9 in abutment with said plate, and said plate bears against the rear side of the straight edge 7 and is secured to said straight edge by bolts 10 or other securing elements at opposite sides of the handle extending through apertures in the plate 9 and straight edge 7. The plate 9 preferably projects above the straight edge 7 so as to contain a name-plate or label 11. The upwardly projecting portion of the plate 9 not only serves handle 8 is held in the hands for applying the straight edge 7 to the surface of the concrete 12 between the side forms or rails 13. The surface of the concrete may be tested to determine Whether there are high or low spots in the concrete, so that same may be remedied before the concrete has hardened. The device being of Eshapeawith the handle at right angles with the straighte'dge, enables the straight edge to be placed longitudinally" of the road or sicleWal-k.With-.t-he handle pro.- jecting to one side, so that the device may readily be manipulated by a workman air-oneside of the road or sidewalk. The device be- 15 ing constructed entirelyofimetalwill bedurable, and will not be affected by moisture. The straight edge 7 being ofangularcross section will" remain straight.

Having-thus described the invention, What is claimed as'neiv is straight edge for; use inthe building of concrete surfacingstructures comprising a tnbular metalmember'of angular cross-sectio'n adapted to be placed. on the surface of Q3 plasticconcrete, anda handle having one end connected to said member between the ends of'and at right angles with said member; for manipulating said member over the surface of the concrete;

2:1) 21 A straight edge for use in the building of concrete surfacing structures comprising a tubular metal member of angular crosssection adapted? to be placed on the surface of plastic concrete, and a tubular. metal handle' of circular cross-section having one end connected to said member-between the ends of and at right angles With'said member, for manipulating said member over the surface of-the' concrete.

In testimony whereof I: hereunto afli-x my signature.

JOSEPH I \VILLIAM HELTZEL. 

